We grew up with our Friends Monica, Rachel, Joey, Chandler, Phoebe and Ross. Hell, we were practically the seventh member of the group and lived vicariously through the group’s hilarious antics in that purple-walled, rent-controlled NYC apartment in Greenwich Village.
Bright, bold, and decorated eclectically to suit the ’90s era it was set in, we can’t help but wonder how the interior decor of the two-bedroom, open-plan digs would hold up today. Thankfully, we don’t have to ponder too much longer.
In celebration of Friends‘ 25-year premiere anniversary, Modsy, a virtual interior design firm, has taken the liberty of redesigning the Manhattan flat according to how it could look today.
From the perspectives of each character — this is The One Where Everything Changes.
Monica and Chandler
The series finale left us with the notion Monica and Chandler would be moving on out to the ‘burbs in Westchester to raise their twins, but let’s imagine for a moment they decided to stick around in New York.
The chaotic colours of the apartment would see a modern update that perfectly blends Monica’s vibrant aesthetic with Chandler’s comfortable minimal vibe. Modsy, describes the home as “Rustic Warmth”.
You’ll note the lilac walls are gone, but ever the sentimentalist, Monica would have repainted the doorways with a more modern, dark purple.
Modsy
Rachel
She got off the plane! And she’s ready to start a life with Ross. Though he has a pretty cool apartment himself, and close by, too, it’s somewhat likely the couple may have opted to live separately at first, with Rachel and baby Emma moving into Monica’s place now that it’s vacant. If that’s the case, Modsy imagines the space would appear “less-is-more chic”.
“The purple walls and teal cabinets would be the first to go,” the interior design firm says. “In 2019, Rachel would gravitate toward trends like knockout millennial pink, plush velvet, and marble. Her version of the apartment would be a sophisticated place for the gang to gather, drink wine, and reminisce about the old days.”
Modsy
Joey
If Joey had taken over the lease, Modsy imagines the iconic apartment to have an “Atomic Industrial” aesthetic worthy of its own feature in GQ.
“A style that mixes mid-century pieces with industrial accents, Joey’s place is full of wood, metals, and leathers. Pieces like his foosball table, dartboard, and Hugsy are all parts of the apartment’s new look. Always the sentimental one, Joey also kept Dr. Drake Ramoray’s magazine cover and, of course, Pat the Dog,” Modsy says.
Like this, the apartment would become the ultimate bachelor pad and perfect place for Ross and Chandler to retreat to on Friday and Saturday nights in the city.
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Ross
An unlikely story development that Ross would have taken over his sister’s lease, but let’s humour the idea for just a minute. If Ross has his way with this space, he’d have maintained some of the original character with a comfortable and eclectic mix of decor, whist adding warm touches and injecting his love of science and history with accessories.
“The result is a design that mixes rustic and industrial styles and almost has a cosy library feel to it,” says Modsy.
Look out for the dinosaur-themed accents and portrait of his once-pet monkey, Marcel.
Modsy
Phoebe
Phoebe’s adaption of the Friends apartment would be a reflection of her free-spirited, bohemian nature. Though eclectic and a little wacky, the space feels cohesive with the use of green throughout.
“Her apartment design reflects her bold and unpredictable nature through the mix of vivid colors, different patterns, and unexpected materials with major boho vibes like macrame, jute, and rattan,” says Modsy.
Of course, with Pheobe being a vegan, there’s not a scrap of leather or fur in this space — just natural fibres and plenty of natural light.
Modsy